Perfect Picture Book Friday – We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

I can’t hide my respect for this author/poet. In 2007 Michael Rosen was elected the 5th UK Children’s Poet Laureate. You will remember, I recently posted his Sad Book, for PPPF. He has visited hundreds of schools promoting especially poetry and a love of language, and has probably done more than anyone for children’s poetry in the UK.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

Written by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

First Published by Walker Books (UK), by Margaret K McElderry Books (USA), 1989

Ages: 2-6

Themes: Bears, hunting, family, rhythm, adventure

Opening Lines/Synopsis:

“We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re going to catch a big one. What a beautiful day. We’re not scared.”

This text is repeated on each black and white page as the family encounters another obstacle, which cannot be gone over nor under, but

“Oh, no. We’ve got to go through it.”

Through water, mud, forest, snow; a Dad, his toddler, young son and two older daughters march on with their bold bear-hunting plan. Every black and white spread is alternated by a watercolor landscape inviting play. The song/adventure is going to plan until they hit the beach, and the CAVE, and, well you’ll have to read to discover how successful this bear-hunt was.

Why I like this book: I challenge you to read this book quietly to yourself! It begs, nay, demands to be read out loud, actually, pretty loudly It begs to be chanted, performed, reenacted, sang… it requires complete involvement of reader and listener… This is a book that calls to action. Though written in prose, it has an elegant, chanting, alliterative lilt and rhythm to it that will not resist calls for “again, again”. There is adventure, repetition, surprise and beautiful text to enthrall kids. I like the fact that it is a Dad and his four kids out for a day of fun together. This also has just the right amount of fear in it for very small kids, who will inevitable quell and giggle.

Activities/Resources:

Chant it together. After only a couple of readings, kids will have the hang of this repetitive text.

To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books. Or click on the Perfect Picture Book Fridays badge in the right sidebar.

I don’t know how this book hasn’t received a reward. It is such a classic to me!

To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books. Or click on the Perfect Picture Book Fridays badge in the right sidebar.

I love, love, love, love, love this book! David and I have read this one to our boys hundreds of times over the years and it never gets stale. We still use lines “We can’t go over it. We can’t go under it. Oh No! We’ve got to go through it!” when something is challenging. It’s part of our family language now. It’s also top on my list of great books to give as baby gifts.

This must be a remake on a story I remember singing the words to as a kid around campfire and in the car. Kids love this story! And, I love Heather posting the video. Rosen is a fun and fabulous storyteller.

Joanna Marple

In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.